The White House and South Carolina officials have launched a six-month cybersecurity pilot program to help rural hospitals strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks and maintain patient care during technology disruptions.
The initiative, called Project Lifeline 250, will provide cybersecurity resources and technology to participating hospitals at no cost, according to an Oct. 26 news release from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.
The program brings together the White House Office of the National Cyber Director, South Carolina’s Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity program, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, federal agencies, local governments and private technology companies.
The pilot will focus on three areas: strengthening hospital network defenses, deploying physical backup technology to help facilities maintain critical services following a cyber incident, and identifying high-risk or outdated medical and other technology devices for replacement.
“Project Lifeline 250 is another important step toward ensuring South Carolina’s rural hospitals have the resources they need to defend against cyberattacks and continue providing critical care,” Mr. McMaster said in the news release.
White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross said the initiative is designed to be scalable. The pilot builds on Project Watershed 250, a cybersecurity initiative in Texas, and will evaluate cybersecurity solutions that could be scaled to protect communities nationwide, according to the governor’s office.
Technology companies participating in the initiative include Cisco, Cyera, Microsoft, Trellix and Zscaler.
Microsoft said it will draw on its experience supporting more than 870 rural hospitals nationwide, while Trellix said it plans to contribute agentic AI capabilities intended to automate cyberthreat detection and response.
Officials did not specify how many South Carolina hospitals will participate in the pilot or identify the facilities selected.
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
